Purpose: The paper aims at presenting different methods of motivating students to learn during technical mechanics classes.Design/methodology/approach: It was assumed that adding variety to the grading system would enhance students' interest in technical mechanics classes. Exercises on the board were supplemented with simple experiments, in the preparation of which participated students themselves. The method of preparing the experiments and the way their presentation were evaluated by an academic teacher. Such evaluation was complementary to the traditional method of checking students' knowledge in the form of written tests.Findings: After the classes finished, an anonymous survey was carried out among the students. The students appreciated a varied grading system as well as the additional experiments. Also, an attempt was made to evaluate the influence of modifications in conducting the classes on the marks the students received.Research limitations/implications: Motivating is a complex system of influence, composed of a number of factors. The teacher is able to directly influence only some of them. This paper presents only those system factors which depend on the teacher. Nevertheless, they are examined within the entire complex of other determinants influencing the learning process.Practical implications: The grading system described in the paper led to enhancing students' interest in the subject in which it was applied.Originality/value: A transparent and expanded system of evaluating students increases their involvement during classes. Since every person has different skills, predisposition and previously acquired knowledge, such system allows getting through to more students while trying to improve their learning results
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